Eating Just a Handful of Almonds Can Transform Your Life

The food we eat impacts every aspect of our life, from how we feel to our overall health. The food we consume plays a major role in determining our energy levels and consequently our productivity. Even our physical appearance is influenced by the food we eat. The old adage, “you are what you eat,” rings very true.

One phenomenally versatile food you should incorporate in your diet to reap major health benefits is almonds, which are packed with rich vitamins and minerals. You should encourage your family to eat just a handful of almonds on a regular basis, as part of a healthy lifestyle. Unlike popular belief, almonds are not actually nuts. They are the seed of the fruit of the almond tree.

You may be amazed at just how many health benefits one can enjoy by eating just a handful of almonds every day. In fact, you will want to leave out a jar of almonds for your family to dig into after reading this post. Let’s take a look at how almonds pack a truly powerful punch.

Helps Lower Cholesterol Levels

One of the biggest health benefits offered by the regular consumption of a handful of almonds is that your cholesterol levels will be lowered. Incorporating almonds into your regular diet helps raise your HDL cholesterol, known as “good” cholesterol, while reducing your LDL cholesterol, or “bad” cholesterol. According to a study conducted by David Jenkins MD, participants who ate a handful of almonds lowered their “bad” cholesterol level by 4.4 percent.

Regulates Blood Pressure

Another major health benefit that almonds provide is that they help regulate blood pressure. Almonds are high in potassium and low in sodium, the combination of which serves to lower blood pressure.

Strengthens the Heart

The combination of mono-saturated fat, protein and potassium in almonds are so great for the heart. The vitamin E in almonds serves as an antioxidant and reduces the risk of heart diseases. The presence of magnesium in almonds helps lower the risk of heart attacks. This seed of the fruit of the almond tree helps reduce C-reactive protein, known to cause artery inflammation.

Prevents Colon Cancer

The fiber in almonds improves the movement of food through the digestive system, which helps to cleanse our system and reduce the risk of contracting colon cancer.

Supplies Energy

Almonds are loaded with manganese, riboflavin and copper, all of which collectively boost energy levels. Almonds provide a natural source of energy, which is far healthier than consuming sugar-laden energy drinks.

Helps With Weight Loss

It should come as no surprise that America faces an obesity epidemic. The fact that the consumption of just a handful of almonds can accelerate weight loss in a healthy way makes it an amazing addition to your diet. According to a study published in the International Journal of Obesity, individuals who ate a diet rich in almonds lost more weight than those on a high-carb diet with the same number of calories. The study included two groups that were comprised of overweight and obese individuals. The first group ate a 1,000 calorie/day liquid diet supplemented with 3 oz. of almonds for an additional 384 calories. The second group ate the same liquid diet but the almonds were replaced with a mix of complex carbohydrates. Participants who consumed the almond diet saw an 18 percent reduction in weight and body mass index (BMI).

Provides Skin Care

If you walk down the skin care section of your local drug store, you will notice that almond oil is a highly common ingredient found in various skin care products. Eating a handful of almonds is an amazing inside-out approach to skin care. Almonds are an excellent source of vitamin E and antioxidants that work together to keep the skin smooth and glowing.

It is very clear that almonds provide the body with a host of amazing health benefits. However, eating just a handful of almonds will suffice, since this seed of the fruit of the almond tree does contain a sizable amount of healthy saturated fat.

Kim Celeste is a proud wife and mother of two girls and one boy, web content coordinator at BabyChangingStation.com. Kim has convinced her family to eat just a handful of almonds every day to enjoy major health benefits.

Unbelievable!!! Honestly till date I thought that Almonds will increase Cholesterol in Blood hence the risk with heart will also increase. But you are saying that it’ll rather strengthen the Heart! Yes, after reading all the merits, I’m thinking of keeping a jar of Almonds for daily use. Thanks for this informative and useful post.